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I'm in first year IB and my parents have been nagging me to get a job and I honestly want one (I can handle workload issues with IB). But I don't know how to get a job which seems to be a big problem. Most of my friends work at grocery stores which don't ask for a resumé but I'm not sure how to apply. Do I just go in store and ask? If so who do I ask and how? Any experiences would be appreciated (I'm looking into Best Buy, Future Shop, Chapters, or a grocery store). Thanks in advance!
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#1
Posted Dec 29, 2011 - 18:32
Deja Wu
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- Exams: May 2013
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#2
Posted Dec 29, 2011 - 18:41
Emy Glau-ski
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Well See You Later, Innovator ♥
- Exams: May 2012
I answered this question some time ago in another topic, so I'll post what I said there here, since it's all relevant.
Applying and Resumés
If you are looking for a job, you can find out if they are hiring two ways. The first is to go to the place itself and ask a manager if they are hiring. Nothing fancy, just walk in and ask. You could call the store as well. You can phrase this as "Are you currently hiring?" "Are you currently taking job applications?" or anything like that. Just be polite! If they are, they might ask you to fill out an application there, or may ask you to fill one out and then come back when it is complete. The second option is to go online and see if it says they are hiring. I would rather go to the store itself and ask or just call them; it's more direct and you can get a much faster response.
When I applied to my jobs I didn't need to submit a resume; however, some jobs may require one. Ask if you are required to have one. Don't be afraid that just because you are a teenager your resume is no good. Find a good template or model resume (I found a good one on Microsoft Office Online) and use it to write yours. When you write your resume, you'll want to include:
- Your name, contact information (address, phone number, email address)
- Your education (where do you go to school, how long have you been going to that school, are you in any special programs like IB, etc)
- Any past work experience (this doesn't necessarily have to be a job! You can include volunteer work here. If it is relevant to the job you're applying for this can be seen as a bonus
)
- References (usually two or three people that will say good things about you. Make sure you ask these people beforehand and give your potential employer their phone number or email address, as sometimes they will contact these people.)
- Any other information you find important
To balance your workload, you've got to have excellent time-management skills. You really can't procrastinate on your work when you have a job, especially if you are required to work during the week when you have school earlier in the day. This might cause you to stay up especially late or pull an all-nighter. If you have the opportunity to get work done, get it done! If your employer lets you bring work to do when business is slow, that could be a good time to read a book for class or finish a homework assignment. Take advantage of that, mine wouldn't let me do it. If you can plan well, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. The only problems would be when you have several big projects all due at the same time, such as a couple of IAs. Those would have to be managed, and if you are having trouble, you can always talk to your manager or your teachers and work something out.
Interviews
I had to do three interviews, two at one restaurant (where I ended up working) and one at another (they didn't call me back because they were unorganized and forgot, so I gave up on them). It depends on the place. Some will not require an interview, but some will, so ask. When you go in for an interview, you don't have to wear super fancy clothes, but you should be wearing something decent. No jeans, T-shirts, cut-off shorts, flip flops, sandals, nothing like that. A nice shirt or blouse and decent pants or a skirt is more than enough. When you go you'll be asked a series of questions. Usually things like "What would you do in this situation?" or "I see you listed _____ on your resume. Can you go into more detail with that?" or "Why do you want this job?" Things like that. Just respond to the question, don't try to come up with a perfect response or say what your employer wants to hear. The point of the interview is just to get to know you a little bit better before you start working to see if you would be a good fit with the company. They want to see if you can hold a conversation and have decent social skills.
I had a job the entire length of IB1. I didn't like it at all and I missed out on a lot of sleep and fun events because of it, but if you feel like you can handle it, go right ahead. And good luck with the job search.
Applying and Resumés
If you are looking for a job, you can find out if they are hiring two ways. The first is to go to the place itself and ask a manager if they are hiring. Nothing fancy, just walk in and ask. You could call the store as well. You can phrase this as "Are you currently hiring?" "Are you currently taking job applications?" or anything like that. Just be polite! If they are, they might ask you to fill out an application there, or may ask you to fill one out and then come back when it is complete. The second option is to go online and see if it says they are hiring. I would rather go to the store itself and ask or just call them; it's more direct and you can get a much faster response.
When I applied to my jobs I didn't need to submit a resume; however, some jobs may require one. Ask if you are required to have one. Don't be afraid that just because you are a teenager your resume is no good. Find a good template or model resume (I found a good one on Microsoft Office Online) and use it to write yours. When you write your resume, you'll want to include:
- Your name, contact information (address, phone number, email address)
- Your education (where do you go to school, how long have you been going to that school, are you in any special programs like IB, etc)
- Any past work experience (this doesn't necessarily have to be a job! You can include volunteer work here. If it is relevant to the job you're applying for this can be seen as a bonus
)- References (usually two or three people that will say good things about you. Make sure you ask these people beforehand and give your potential employer their phone number or email address, as sometimes they will contact these people.)
- Any other information you find important
To balance your workload, you've got to have excellent time-management skills. You really can't procrastinate on your work when you have a job, especially if you are required to work during the week when you have school earlier in the day. This might cause you to stay up especially late or pull an all-nighter. If you have the opportunity to get work done, get it done! If your employer lets you bring work to do when business is slow, that could be a good time to read a book for class or finish a homework assignment. Take advantage of that, mine wouldn't let me do it. If you can plan well, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. The only problems would be when you have several big projects all due at the same time, such as a couple of IAs. Those would have to be managed, and if you are having trouble, you can always talk to your manager or your teachers and work something out.
Interviews
I had to do three interviews, two at one restaurant (where I ended up working) and one at another (they didn't call me back because they were unorganized and forgot, so I gave up on them). It depends on the place. Some will not require an interview, but some will, so ask. When you go in for an interview, you don't have to wear super fancy clothes, but you should be wearing something decent. No jeans, T-shirts, cut-off shorts, flip flops, sandals, nothing like that. A nice shirt or blouse and decent pants or a skirt is more than enough. When you go you'll be asked a series of questions. Usually things like "What would you do in this situation?" or "I see you listed _____ on your resume. Can you go into more detail with that?" or "Why do you want this job?" Things like that. Just respond to the question, don't try to come up with a perfect response or say what your employer wants to hear. The point of the interview is just to get to know you a little bit better before you start working to see if you would be a good fit with the company. They want to see if you can hold a conversation and have decent social skills.
I had a job the entire length of IB1. I didn't like it at all and I missed out on a lot of sleep and fun events because of it, but if you feel like you can handle it, go right ahead. And good luck with the job search.
#3
Posted Dec 29, 2011 - 18:42
Award Winning Boss
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- VIP
- 611 posts
- Local time: 12:24 PM
- Exams: May 2013
Well you need 2 things. A hat that says "give me job" and a luminous clothing.
Then you stare at the manager for ages which will result in everyone staring at you then he'll offer you a job with no questions asked because your hat demands it. It works every time.
Alternatively, you should prepare a CV (if you need one in Canada.... i reckon you do) then ask if they have any vacancies, if they do say you'd like to apply if they don't ask if you can leave your CV there so they can call when one comes available
Rinse and repeat until you have a job then make millions of plastic dollars
Then you stare at the manager for ages which will result in everyone staring at you then he'll offer you a job with no questions asked because your hat demands it. It works every time.
Alternatively, you should prepare a CV (if you need one in Canada.... i reckon you do) then ask if they have any vacancies, if they do say you'd like to apply if they don't ask if you can leave your CV there so they can call when one comes available
Rinse and repeat until you have a job then make millions of plastic dollars
#4
Posted Dec 29, 2011 - 21:15
Arrowhead
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- VIP
- 576 posts
- Local time: 12:24 PM
I Will Survive
- Exams: May 2010
Just keep asking mate. I walked into a wedding store and asked the lady who ran it in broken French if she needed a seamster with no skills and willing to work for minimum wage. I was hired.
Be bold (or shameless) and just say it.
Be bold (or shameless) and just say it.
#5
Posted Jan 19, 2012 - 04:24
FRdupuis
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- Members
- 13 posts
- Local time: 07:24 AM
- Exams: May 2012
You could do what I did: I tutor kids privately for a really low fee compared to other private tutors. You can advertise your self within your school or on websites like kijiji. Plus, you're using your knowledge to good use. Also, younger MYP students are always looking for tutoring and help, so you could start there.
I suggest that you have some sort of experience for example, I started off by tutoring English, French and Math during my lunch for volunteer and CAS hours within my school.
Another suggestion, check to see if your city has a student summer program or something. And ask around: relatives, neighbors, family friends. You never know! Good luck!
I suggest that you have some sort of experience for example, I started off by tutoring English, French and Math during my lunch for volunteer and CAS hours within my school.
Another suggestion, check to see if your city has a student summer program or something. And ask around: relatives, neighbors, family friends. You never know! Good luck!
